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South Floridians who are passionate about the natural world and interested in fostering “conservation through community” can become more engaged, educated and effective environmental advocates by attending the free 2022 Tropical Audubon Ambassador Program Sept. 6 through Nov. 15.
The award-winning education series is designed to activate environmental ambassadors who want to beat the drum for South Florida’s unique and endangered ecosystems. This fall’s program will feature a new interactive online format and the return of field trips.
Participants will receive comprehensive advocacy training from environmental experts and will come away with an in-depth knowledge of the region’s cornerstone ecosystems: The Everglades, Biscayne Bay, and Pine Rocklands and Tropical Hardwood Hammocks. The end goal is to empower participants to activate their “Tropical Audubon Ambassador” education on behalf of South Florida’s wild places and the indigenous wildlife who inhabit them.
A new Zoom format will replace the webinar format, allowing ambassadors to better engage in discussion and Q&A during online sessions. Recorded versions of the meetings also will be available to participants.
Aspiring Tropical Audubon Ambassadors will join with a network of like-minded environmental advocates and participate in deep-dive Q&A with regional experts in their respective fields.
Subject matter will include:
• South Florida’s history of development and how to ensure a better future for our region.
• How development policy decisions are made, and their impact on zoning, water quality and transit.
• How development impacts birds, other wildlife, our human communities, and water resources. >>>
• How Climate Change impacts South Florida at the local level as an intensifier of our region’s existing environmental challenges — from water quality to carbon sequestration.
• Which local conservation efforts are working well and how to enhance them.
Additional program benefits include a monthly virtual community meeting, a free field trip to a captivating local ecosystem, action alerts on critical conservation issues, an online toolbox of resources, leadership development opportunities, and access to a Facebook group.
The 2022 Tropical Audubon Ambassador series is open to anyone 18 and older, newcomers and past graduates.
To qualify for a Certificate of Program Completion, participants are required to complete the “Civics 101” and “Campaigns” sessions, and choose at least one track og interest — Everglades, Biscayne Bay, and/or Pine Rocklands/Hardwood Hammocks. Each track is
comprised of three in-depth virtual sessions.
Bonus Community Action virtual meetings about current issues will be open to all new and veteran ambassadors.
Program topics will be explored with TAS Education & Advocacy director Stephanie Clements, who holds a PhD in Biology from the University of Miami.
Additionally, the new fall program will be greatly enriched by experts from various fields of study.
Thanks to the support of our Funding Partners — The Everglades Foundation, Miami Foundation, National Parks Conservation Association — the Tropical Audubon Ambassador Program is free.
Session Dates & Topics (Live Zoom Meetings, Tuesdays* 6-7pm)
*Note November 10 is a Thursday
Civics 101 — Sept. 6
Campaigns 101 — Sept. 13;
Everglades — Sept. 20 and 27, Oct. 4;
Biscayne Bay — Oct. 11, 18 and 25;
Pine Rocklands/Hardwood Hammocks — Nov. 1, 10* and 15.
For more programming information, contact:
Stephanie Clements at ambassador@tropicalaudubon.org.
Tropical Audubon Society is located at 5530 Sunset Dr., Miami, FL 33143; telephone 305-667-7337; website www.tropicalaudubon.org.
